Blowin' in the Wind
Johnny Tillotson Lyrics


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How many roads must a man walk down before they call him a man
How many seas must a white dove sail before she leeps in the sand
How many times must cannonballs fly before they're forever banned
The answer my friend is blowin' in the wind the answer is blowin' in the wind

How many years can a mountain exist before it is washed to the sea
How many years can some people exist before they're allowed to be free
How many times can a man turn his head and pretend that he just doesn't see
The answer my friend is blowin' in the wind the answer is blowin' in the wind

How many times must a man look up before he can see the sky
How many ears must one man have before he can hear people cry
How many deaths will it take till he knows that too many people have died




The answer my friend is blowin' in the wind the answer is blowin' in the wind
The answer my friend is blowin' in the wind the answer is blowin' in the wind

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Johnny Tillotson's song Blowin' in the Wind are a series of rhetorical questions that highlight the injustices and struggles of the time. The song asks how many roads must a man walk down before they are considered a man, illustrating the idea that manhood is a rite of passage achieved through overcoming difficulties. It also questions how many seas a white dove must sail before it can find rest on the shore, which could be seen as a metaphor for finding a sense of home or belonging.


The lyrics also touch on the destructive nature of war and the need for peace. Asking how many cannonballs must fly before they are banned forever, the lyrics suggest that a world without war is possible if we work towards it. The song also questions how long it will take for people to be allowed to be free, suggesting that there are still many struggles and injustices to be overcome.


The lyrics also emphasize the need for awareness and empathy. It questions how many times a man must turn his head and pretend he doesn't see, highlighting the idea that we must open our eyes and acknowledge the struggles of others. It also asks how many deaths it will take for people to realize that too many have died, suggesting that we need to be more aware of the consequences of our actions.


Overall, the song Blowin' in the Wind is a powerful call for social justice and an end to war. Its poignant lyrics continue to resonate today, decades after its release.


Line by Line Meaning

How many roads must a man walk down before they call him a man
How much hardship and struggles must a man endure before he is recognized as a true man by the society.


How many seas must a white dove sail before she leeps in the sand
What is the ultimate journey that a white dove must undertake before it could rest in peace in the sand.


How many times must cannonballs fly before they're forever banned
How many wars and violent conflicts will it take before humans realize the futility of war and finally abolish it forever.


The answer my friend is blowin' in the wind the answer is blowin' in the wind
The solution to these existential questions is not something tangible or visible, it's something that we can only feel is passing by like the wind.


How many years can a mountain exist before it is washed to the sea
What is the measure of existence for something as ancient and resilient as a mountain, and how long can it withstand the forces of nature before being eroded to nothingness.


How many years can some people exist before they're allowed to be free
When will humans realize that everyone deserves to be free, and that there should not be any barriers to someone's freedom and rights.


How many times can a man turn his head and pretend that he just doesn't see
How long can a man ignore injustice and turn a blind eye to the plight of the oppressed, pretending it doesn't exist.


How many times must a man look up before he can see the sky
How many times must we search and seek the truth to see what's right in front of us, and discover the beauty that's hidden in plain sight.


How many ears must one man have before he can hear people cry
How much empathy and understanding does a person need to have before they can hear the cries of the suffering and extend a helping hand.


How many deaths will it take till he knows that too many people have died
How much blood and sacrifice will it take before we realize the sheer human cost of our actions, and the need for peace, love, and harmony in the world.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, O/B/O CAPASSO
Written by: Bob Dylan

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@thecrushedtwinkie6632

🌠CELESTIALI!🌠
The best version of this song ever recorded, and the overall most ineffably gorgeous and heart-touching song Mr. Johnny Tillotson ever recorded.

"Music to soothe the savage breast, soften rocks, and bend the knotted oak."
William Congreve

"Music so glorious, beautiful, and profound that it could create a soul under the ribs of death!"
John Milton

Milton Moore
Las Vegas, Nevada



All comments from YouTube:

@YenneyRossi

Bellissima prestazione caro Johnny Tillotson 🎻🎶👍 Grazie infinite per la meravigliosa canzone suonando la tua chitarra 🎻🎶🙏 Eccellente video 🤳 Complimenti e Applausi 👏👏 Ciao 🇮🇹✔️🤗

@babyvalenton8037

Congratulations Mr Johonny Tillotson for capturing the hearts of many music lovers. I love hearing your voice because it sooths my soul.

@marieholt690

Can you hear my Cries
Blowing in the wind
Beautiful song Johnny

@FrogTVJoe

This is totally the most beautiful version of this song! A number of folks recorded this one over the years, and this one is totally beautiful.

@ptrombley444

Because he (Johnny Tilotson) wrote it.
A lot of famous people sing his songs. He writes beautifully & heat felt lyrics & music.

@lindaloftin8792

My favorite sounding Guild guitar. My fingers hurt too much to play guitar. Tuned to 432hz sounds very angelic.

@marieholt690

Cant you hear my cry's 2 souls that are connected can feel each other's pain.
Love it Blowing in the wind
Beautiful song by Johnny

@barrygioportmorien1

My favourite version, by Johnny Tillotson.

@marieholt690

The Answer is Blowing in The Wind is such a beautiful song and so true ❤️🙏

@user-qc9uw3nm8n

ชอบครับWhy do l love you so

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